A Barista Buzz, Home Style

"THE first coffee of the day is a make-or-break moment. A robust, flavorful cup
can clear the mind, cheer the soul and boost self-confidence. A watery, bitter
brew almost guarantees gloom.

Small wonder that the corner Starbucks has become a kind of beverage wayside
chapel, restoring the spirit with sacramental espressos, cappuccinos and lattes.

If only you could get them at home.

A new generation of coffee makers promises just that, in record time. The
at-home brownie frappuccino remains a distant goal, but several machines now on
the market serve up espressos and frothy coffees at the touch of a button. Some
take their cue, and their price points, from the nearly professional-grade
machines that companies like Rancilio, Capresso and Saeco introduced to the
market in the late 1990’s. Others take dead aim at the Mr. Coffee consumer ready
for an upgrade."